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If you have items to ship to another location, you should spend some time deciding what you need to ship those items in. Not all shipping boxes are the same, and yet, they are one of the most important aspects to moving an item from one location to another. Before you ship your next item, consider the following information about the shipping boxes you choose.

Does Size Matter?

The quick answer to this question is “Yes!” The size of the box you choose to place your item in is an important consideration. It must be large enough but not too large or you’ll end up with a broken or damaged item when it reaches the destination.

When a box is too small, it doesn’t fit the item accurately. Whatever you’re shipping may have to be placed inside without enough packing material to provide insulation. If the box is too large, the item may move around even with packing materials, which could allow it to break. You can find out more about how size affects cost here.

Consider Safety and Cost of Replacement

You’ll want to insure any box that contains valuable items or those that aren’t replaceable. You should have an approximate estimate of the value of the items placed in your boxes so you know how much insurance to purchase.

Think about how fragile these items are because it increases the likelihood that they may break in transit. If you’re shipping anything with hazardous materials, you’ll need to find out how to package those items correctly to meet industry standards or applicable laws. There will be a number of boxes in the same space, and you won’t be able to tell which ones are packed correctly or may cause damage to your package. Make sure your items are packed in the right boxes to provide the necessary support.

Other Considerations

You might be surprised at how much you have to think about when planning to ship an item. Consider who is packing the box, whether it’s you or someone else. You need to know what size shipping container will carry your item and how many other boxes will be inside.

In general, it’s a good idea to keep your items in a compact space to prevent any more movement than necessary. Choose high-quality boxes that can hold up to being tossed and moved around during travel. Make sure each one is labeled with your name and address for returns.

Try to keep the boxes from being too heavy. If you have multiple items, break them up into more than one box. Remember that people are lifting these boxes, and they will be able to handle them easier and safer if they are manageable in size and weight.

Use the smallest box that will hold your item and its packing material. This choice provides the most efficient method of packing and helps ensure your item arrives safely at its destination.

Once you have figured out how you want to pack your item, you’ll have to consider whether you want to ship by ocean or air. Learn more about this choice here.